Mar 28, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

'He Kept Getting Worse': Scottie Barnes Off-Mic Banter From Raptors Media Caught On Tape

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 8:33 AM ET

The Toronto Raptors closed out their 2024–25 NBA campaign with a 30-52 record, falling short of the Play-In tournament. While the team’s struggles have been a collective effort, much of the post-season noise has centered around rising star Scottie Barnes—and not in the way you’d expect.

After the team’s end-of-season press conference, a hot mic incident caught two unnamed reporters making harsh, off-the-record remarks about Barnes and rookie Jonathan Mogbo. The comments, which quickly made the rounds online, included criticisms of Barnes’ attitude and speaking abilities.

“It’s not just his enunciation, which, like, was super bad, especially last year,” one reporter was heard saying. “But even the attitude. Just the attitude—like he’s having fun up there. First year or even before, he just kept getting worse and worse every year.”

Quick. Someone get the media some media training and teach them what a hot mic is. pic.twitter.com/HzRTefRtk2

— Pensare Basketball (@PensareBBall) April 14, 2025

Things took an even more distasteful turn when the pair shifted their focus to Mogbo.

“When I first interviewed Mogbo when he was drafted, I was shocked ’cause he was so dumb,” the other reporter said.

Before further damage could be done, another media member reportedly stepped in to inform the two that their remarks were being picked up by a live mic—though by then, the damage was done.

More to come from Scottie Barnes for the Raptors

Despite the off-court controversy, Scottie Barnes remains focused on the future. In his press conference, he spoke optimistically about the Raptors’ outlook.

“If you saw my face last year at this time, I don’t think I was looking the right way,” Barnes said. “But I’m excited for what the future holds and what we’re going to grow into. With the team we have, there are no excuses. We should definitely be in the playoffs.”

Mar 28, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) shoots the ball as Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) defends in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Scottie Barnes wrapped up the season averaging 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game—solid numbers for a third-year player still developing his game and leadership.

Mar 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the net against Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes (4) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Looking ahead, his potential partnership with a veteran scorer like Brandon Ingram and continued chemistry with Jakob Poeltl could push Toronto closer to playoff contention. The Eastern Conference remains competitive but far from out of reach. If the Raptors can rally behind Scottie Barnes and their promising young core, a return to postseason basketball isn’t just a dream—it’s an expectation.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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